While the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had both hits and misses throughout Phases 4 and 5, several titles have clearly stood out. In fact, a handful of them have become the highest-rated MCU projects, earning both critical acclaim and fan admiration. According to Rotten Tomatoes scores, one of these standout releases has even managed to surpass Spider-Man: No Way Home — which is no small feat, considering its massive success.
Highest-Rated MCU Projects Ranked by Critics
Rotten Tomatoes, unsurprisingly, remains a key benchmark for assessing the reception of Marvel releases. As a result, its scores often shape public perception and guide fan expectations. Based on those rankings, here are the highest-rated MCU projects of recent years — including one title that, surprisingly, leads the pack.
Ms. Marvel – 98%
This coming-of-age series starring Kamala Khan is currently the top-ranked among the highest-rated MCU projects. It won over audiences with its cultural richness, heartfelt storytelling, and fresh take on superhero life. Moreover, its success has paved the way for more inclusive narratives in the MCU.
Streaming on: Disney+.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – 94%
James Gunn brought warmth and cosmic fun to the holiday season. This festive special became one of the most beloved additions to the MCU lineup, combining humor with emotion in a short but impactful runtime. It also cleverly set up events for Guardians Vol. 3.
Spider-Man: No Way Home – 93%
The multiverse masterpiece that united three generations of Spider-Men remains a landmark moment in the MCU. Despite fierce competition, Spider-Man: No Way Home continues to rank among the highest-rated MCU projects, thanks to its emotional storytelling, nostalgic cameos, and massive box office success. In fact, both fans and critics still view it as one of Marvel’s most ambitious and rewarding entries to date.
Not All Marvel Hits: A Look at the Not Highest-Rated MCU Projects
While a few Marvel titles rose to critical acclaim, others — once hyped as major returns or bold new ventures — ultimately disappointed fans and critics alike. These projects signaled a dip in Marvel’s consistent quality and raised concerns about the future of the franchise.
Thunderbolts – 88%
Yes, you read that right!
The upcoming anti-hero team-up film initially shocked everyone with unexpectedly high early Rotten Tomatoes scores. Early projections had fans hopeful that Thunderbolts would bring a fresh, darker edge to the MCU. It was marketed as a bold pivot — a chance for morally gray characters to take center stage in a post-Avengers world.
However, once the film was released, that excitement quickly faded. Despite its promising concept and a cast full of familiar faces, the final product felt disjointed and lacking in emotional weight. Critics widely pointed out its flat character arcs, inconsistent tone, and a rushed third act that left little impact. Additionally, many fans felt the film didn’t deliver on its edgy premise, making it one of the most underwhelming entries in Phase 5.
Daredevil: Born Again – 87%
Matt Murdock is back — and critics were loving it… at first.
The show debuted with a promising Rotten Tomatoes score, suggesting a strong return for one of Marvel’s most grounded heroes. Early episodes earned praise for blending Netflix-era grit with broader MCU sensibilities, giving longtime fans hope.
However, that optimism faded as the season progressed. Despite the critic rating, fan reactions highlighted tonal inconsistencies, slow pacing, and a lack of character depth. The reboot failed to recapture the raw emotion and street-level realism that made the original series stand out.
Even with a high score, Born Again is now viewed as one of the MCU’s most underwhelming reboots — and a clear sign of the franchise’s ongoing creative slump.
Agatha All Along – 84%
WandaVision’s breakout villain returned in a spooky solo spinoff — but the magic didn’t last. While critics initially applauded Kathryn Hahn’s performance and the show’s darkly whimsical style, the series ultimately fell short. However, despite strong visuals and a promising premise, the narrative lacked momentum. As a result, even devoted fans struggled to stay engaged by the finale.
Why Not All Highest-Rated MCU Projects Paid Off
It was Agatha… again! But this time, the spell didn’t quite land.
Marvel’s recent phases have featured bold ideas and unexpected spinoffs, yet not all of them delivered on their promise. While standout titles like Ms. Marvel and No Way Home captured both critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm, others — such as Agatha All Along, Thunderbolts, and Daredevil: Born Again — revealed cracks in the MCU’s formula.
As a result, it’s clear the franchise is at a turning point, where innovation must be backed by strong storytelling. Moving forward, Marvel will need more than nostalgia and spectacle to regain its creative momentum.
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